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Record Budget for NSW mental health and drug and alcohol services

Minister for Mental Health and Assistant Minister for Health Pru Goward said the NSW Budget will invest a record $1.7 billion in mental health across NSW in 2015-16.

The NSW Government is prioritising mental health care and prevention services across NSW with a Budget which will deliver 6.7 per cent growth in funding.

Ms Goward said this Budget delivers on the Government’s commitment to provide the investment needed to improve outcomes in mental health and drug and alcohol services.

“The Budget will include $35 million in 2015-16 to continue the implementation of Living Well: A Strategic Plan for Mental Health Reform in NSW 2014-2024,” Ms Goward said.

“This investment will include the expansion of Community Managed Living Supports, youth services, ProjectAIR, the LikeMind pilot and suicide prevention training for the non-mental health workforce.”

The Budget also includes $10 million in 2015-16 through the Mental Health Commission to monitor, review and improve the mental health system.

Other key initiatives in the 2015-16 NSW Budget include:

$22.8 million over four years ($5.7 million annually) to expand the Sustaining NSW Families Program and increase support services for women with post-natal depression;

$10.5 million over four years ($2.6 million annually) to Lifeline Australia to enhance access to vital counselling services;

$1.9 million towards the $7 million over four years to expand the Stimulant Treatment Program to the Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast/Northern NSW and Western Sydney, as well as enhance the existing programs at St Vincent’s and Hunter New England for people who use methamphetamines, including ice;

$1 million towards the $4 million commitment over four years for non-government treatment services for people who use methamphetamines, including ice;

$1.5 million this year to commence the St Vincent’s Hospital Psychiatric Alcohol and Non-Prescription Drug Assessment (PANDA) Unit and Emergency Department enhancements ($14 million in total);

$1 million for Life Education;

$575,000 towards the $2.3 million commitment over four years to create a Centre for the Prevention of Harm to Children and Adolescents from Drugs and Alcohol at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

This record spend in mental health also includes $10.5m to Lifeline, so you can get help anytime, anywhere:...

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